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Cristiano Ronaldo was included in Manchester United line-up for the Red Devils’ trip to top-four rivals Arsenal, while captain Harry Maguire was named among the substitutes.
Superstar forward Ronaldo, who is just one goal away from bringing up a career century of Premier League strikes after scoring 15 in the top flight this season, missed Tuesday’s 4-0 defeat at Liverpool after announcing the loss of his son on Monday.
Ronaldo has scored six goals in his last seven appearances against Arsenal in all competitions, including twice in the reverse fixture in December, and a brace on his last visit to the Emirates in May 2009 in the Champions League semi-finals.
Explaining his decision to include Ronaldo, Ralf Rangnick told BT Sport: “We spoke on the day when he returned to training. He said everything is well, he can train again and play again. It’s good to have him back in the squad.”
Meanwhile, Maguire has been named among the substitutes by Rangnick. The England defender received a bomb threat to his home this week, with police later confirming no suspicious object was found after a search.
Victor Lindelof and Raphael Varane will partner one another in the heart of the United defence, while Bruno Fernandes has taken the captain’s armband in the absence of Maguire.
“That’s not the only reason,” Rangnick said when asked if that scare was the reason for Maguire starting on the bench. “But he’s had a tough week and that’s why I decided to give him a rest and play with Lindelof and Varane.”
Marcus Rashford, Phil Jones, and Aaron Wan-Bissaka have also been dropped to the bench after the humiliating loss at Anfield, with Paul Pogba’s injury ruling him out entirely as Alex Telles, Jadon Sancho, and Scott McTominay return to Rangnick’s XI.
Arsenal, meanwhile, have made just one change from their 4-2 win over Chelsea, introducing Cedric Soares in place of Rob Holding at the back.
United travel to the Emirates three points behind the Gunners in the Premier League table having played one game more, as Rangnick looks to secure Champions League football before making way for Erik ten Hag.
